Front Wheel Bearings

[ThrillSHO]

Who has done this? Looks like:

Press the hub out of knuckle.
Remove snap ring from back of knuckle.
Press bearing from knuckle.
Re-assemble in reverse.

Gonna try it Sunday. Doesn't look to bad if that's all there is to it.

 

[sdpatt]

I had my front wheel bearings replaced by a Ford dealership - I'll not recommend that to anyone. They had to contract out the removal and installation of the bearings becuase their 2-ton hydraulic press wasn't strong enough to do it. Make sure you know what you are getting in to.

 

[ThrillSHO]

I'll let you know how it goes. I have a 10-ton press that I've used for axle bearings on a RWD cars with no problem. Kinda cool, if you but buy what is called the front wheel bearing kit it comes with bearing, c-clip, axle-nut, new hub with wheel studs. I was surprise that they include a new hub. Basicly, with the kit all you need is a knuckle.

 

[1fastsho]

it shouldn't be a problem getting the old one out, I've never had a problem with it...but there is always that one or two cars that are impossible. just remove ther snap ring press out the old bearing. press in the new bearing using the old one on top of it.

 

[RStalveyARFF]

funny you should ask, I just completed my right front hub bearing... Yes, press out the hub, then remove the snap ring and press out the bearing. Scott, the reason the dealership was not able to do the job is because the bearings need 5000lbs of pressure, and that's 1000lbs short on a 2 ton press. I used the 12 ton press at work and it was buttah! If you haven't gotten the part already, it is #151 from napa, lifetime warranty.

 

[pjtoledo]

You guy's make front wheel bearings sound like a lot of work. I have changed several of them with only basic hand tools, in the basement. With the spindle out, I held it with the hub facing down, set a 3/4" grade 3 bolt in the axle hole and began tapping on it with a medium ball pein hammer. Less than 2 minutes later the hub fell out. Removed the outer snap ring, placed a very large 3/4" socket on the back side of the bearing, place the bolt in the hole, tap,tap, 2 mintues later the bearing was out. To press the new bearing in, I used an assortment of very large washers/nuts and a foot length of 3/4" fine threaded rod. The key was to get a washer to fit the inside of the hub, actually, I think thats where the large socket came into play again. Once the bearing and snap ring are in, use smaller washers to pull the hub into the bearing. That was when I was preparing spindles for the 96 brake upgrade, so they were not on the car yet. I kinda like doing things the hard way, seems to be more fun. Anyway, it is possible to do bearings without a press.
Perry Toledo,Ohio